Political activities ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election continued to dominate headlines today, with a factional NURTW leader, Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, taking over the union’s state secretariat despite a suspension order, while former Governor Rauf Aregbesola assured voters that the ADC governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam, would build on his achievements if elected.
Also making headlines, Boko Haram released an obituary video for one of its slain cameramen killed by Nigerian troops, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s US lobbying firm began circulating President Bola Tinubu’s 1993 drug forfeiture records to officials in the Donald Trump administration and members of the US Congress.
Hence, OSUN DEFENDER presents the top 10 trending stories in Nigeria today. Kindly read and enjoy:
1. [Video] Suspension: Asiri Eniba Defies APC ‘Yes Or No’ Chairmen’s Directive, Takes Over Osun NURTW Office
The leader of a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osun State, Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, has taken over the secretariat of the union in Osogbo.
Oyewale, an All Progressives Congress supporter, took over the secretariat despite the suspension of activities of all transport unions in motor parks across the state by the local chairmen elected under the APC in 2022.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/video-suspension-asiri-eniba-defies-apc-yes-or-no-chairmens-directive-takes-over-osun-nurtw-office/
2. Osun APC Elder Urges Restraint, Clarifies Reason For Timi Ede’s Absence During Oyebamiji’s Visit
A member of the Osun State All Progressives Congress Elders Caucus (Igbimo Agba), Alhaji Gbedebo Ajao, has explained the main reason for the absence of the Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, during a royal call to his palace by the gubernatorial candidate of the party, Mr Bola Oyebamiji and his team on Tuesday.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that members of the APC have taken to social media to voice their displeasure at the absence of the monarch, suggesting the situation might be because the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is from Ede.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/osun-apc-elder-urges-restraint-clarifies-reason-for-timi-edes-absence-during-oyebamijis-visit/
3. Osun 2026: Motor Parks Invasion, APC’s Attempt To Sabotage INEC Logistics – Adeleke Campaign Council
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the group for the reelection of Governor Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State is plotting to cause chaos and portray the state as ungovernable ahead of the forthcoming election.
The chairman of the media committee of TICC, Hon. Bamidele Salam, made the claim on Tuesday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/osun-2026-motor-parks-invasion-apcs-attempt-to-sabotage-inec-logistics-adeleke-campaign-council/
4. Osun Guber: Salaam Will Build On My Achievements – Aregbesola Assures
Former Governor of Osun State and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has assured the people of Osun State of the continuity of his achievements as Governor of the state by Dr. Najeem Salaam.
He said Salaam, who is the candidate of the ADC in the forthcoming Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15 will build on his legacies.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/osun-guber-salaam-will-build-on-my-achievements-aregbesola-assures/
5. PERSPECTIVE: The Anti-Preaching Bill Is A Misdirected Assault On Evangelism
The Nigerian National Assembly has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026. Among its provisions is a clause outlawing preaching in commercial vehicles — an offense that now attracts a stiff N50,000 fine.
Ironically, the original intent of the bill, which originated from the FRSC itself, was simply to increase traffic offense fines from N5,000 to N50,000. When the original N5,000 penalty was stipulated decades ago, it was a substantial sum. Today, due to inflation and the precipitous fall of the naira, it amounts to peanuts and no longer serves as a deterrent.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/perspective-the-anti-preaching-bill-is-a-misdirected-assault-on-evangelism/
6. Abacha: Shehu Sani Faults Claims Of Former Military Head Of State’s Death
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has dismissed an account of the circumstances surrounding the death of former military Head of State, Sani Abacha.
Sani maintained that the latest reports on the circumstances around Abacha’s death are misleading and should be ignored.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/abacha-shehu-sani-faults-claims-of-former-military-head-of-states-death/
7. INTERPRETER: The Symbol Returns To The Campaign Trail
Yesterday in Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd was energetic and expectant. They had gathered not only to hear familiar campaign messages but also in anticipation of hope, direction and answers to pressing concerns. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola did not disappoint.
To many residents, Aregbesola has evolved beyond the status of a former governor. He has become a political symbol whose years in office continue to evoke memories of what supporters describe as a more purposeful era of governance. That sense of nostalgia was evident in conversations across Ile-Ife, particularly at Lagere Market, one of the town’s busiest commercial and transport hubs.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/interpreter-the-symbol-returns-to-the-campaign-trail/
8. Boko Haram Releases Obituary For Cameraman Killed By Nigerian Troops
Boko Haram has released an obituary video for one of its cameramen and raid commanders, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who was killed by Nigerian troops during a failed attack on a military base in Borno State.
The three-minute, three-second video, obtained by Punch on Wednesday, was narrated in Arabic and showed the late insurgent operating a camera and taking part in several operations carried out by the terrorist group.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/boko-haram-releases-obituary-for-cameraman-killed-by-nigerian-troops/
9. Atiku’s US Lobby Firm Sends Tinubu’s 1993 Drug Forfeiture Documents To Trump, Congress
A Washington-based lobbying firm hired by the Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, says it has started submitting US Department of Justice records on President Bola Tinubu to officials of the Donald Trump administration and members of Congress.
The firm, Batten-Montague-York, L.C, was engaged by Atiku in March under a 12-month, $1.2 million contract, according to The Cable.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/atikus-us-lobby-firm-sends-tinubus-1993-drug-forfeiture-documents-to-trump-congress/
10. August 15: SDP Appeals Judgment Recognising Governorship Candidate
The Social Democratic Party has asked the Court of Appeal in Abuja to stay the execution of a Federal High Court judgment recognising Olaitan Salawu-Adeniyi as its governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, pending the determination of its appeal.
The party made this known through its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, in a statement on Wednesday.
Continue reading @
https://osundefender.com/august-15-sdp-appeals-judgment-recognising-governorship-candidate/
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